CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A former Dorchester County sheriff has announced his candidacy for the First Congressional Seat formally held by Tim Scott.

Ray Nash announced Tuesday that he will resign as the Criminal Justice Adviser for the US Embassy in Kabul and run for congress.

"Due to recent attacks on our Constitutional freedoms, I was gravely concerned that I would no longer recognize my country upon my return," said the retired sheriff. "Then I realized I had a clear opportunity to do something about it by running congress."

According to a release, Nash will return to the Lowcountry to campaign after spending three years in Afghanistan, where he has aided the government reform effort.

"I am uniquely qualified to represent the citizens of the First District due to my 34 years in the law enforcement profession, over 20 years of executive leadership, my service as an elected sheriff for 12 years, and my foreign service experience here in Afghanistan," said Nash.

Nash and his wife are both native South Carolinians and have lived in the Lowcountry for the last 26 years.